ELKINS – The Davis & Elkins College Athletic Department and Athletic Director Jamie Joss have announced the appointment of Matthew Justice as the Head Coach of the Senators Men's Lacrosse program, effective May 1.
 
Justice, who is currently an assistant coach with the Men's Lacrosse program at D&E, will take over the vacated role by current head coach Brian Anken, who has resigned, effective May 1, to accept the Athletic Director position at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo, New York.
 
"We appointed Matt as our next head coach without hesitation and with Coach Anken's endorsement," Joss said. "Matt has worked tirelessly as a volunteer assistant coach, aligned with Brian's vision for the program, Matt will help us maintain the positive momentum our program is building. Matt is committed to developing a program of excellence in the classroom, on our campus and in Elkins community, with uncompromising character and success on the field."
 
"I am grateful for the opportunity that Athletic Director Jamie Joss and President Chris Wood have bestowed upon me to step into my first head coaching position," said Justice. "I am excited to continue the growth and development of this program and our players. We are heading in the right direction and I am honored to lead this program to its full potential in the years to come."
 
Justice joined the Senators this season and has served as an assistant coach following a successful playing career that included three seasons at Marymount University as an attackman and team captain, as well as oversees, playing in France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.
 
"Matt has developed a great rapport with our team and incoming recruiting class," Joss said. "Matt will certainly inject some of his own lacrosse identity into the program, but he will maintain our Canadian recruiting base and add his Maryland connections as we continue to expand our program."
 
Anken and Justice will continue to serve in their current roles for the remainder of the season, which includes three more regular-season contests.
 
"I appreciate the opportunity that Coach Anken afforded me by bringing me to Davis & Elkins College," said Justice. "It has been a privilege to work with and learn so much from one of the best minds in college lacrosse. Since he's taken over this young program, he has quickly made massive strides that I am proud to say I have also been a part of and look forward to continuing."
 
"We are proud and excited for Brian, Mandy and Parker for the opportunity to achieve his professional goal of leading an athletic program in his hometown," Joss said. "We are grateful for the effort and sacrifices Brian and his family have made over the past two years in leading our men's lacrosse program by creating a culture of excellence."
 
The Men's Lacrosse program will return to action on April 18 at Walsh. The Senators will then return home to Nuttall Field for the final two games against Ohio Valley on April 22 and on April 25 against Alderson Broaddus.